Sheffield Wednesday: Owls legend Waddle predicts England changes

Owls legend Chris Waddle fully expects England boss Roy Hodgson to freshen up his forward line when they take on Slovakia next week.

England secured their first victory of Euro 2016 on Thursday, coming-from-behind to beat Wales 2-1 in Lens.

Trailing at half-time after Gareth Bale’s 35-yard free-kick, Hodgson sent on Sheffield’s Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge in place of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane to spice up their attack. His gamble paid off as Vardy grabbed his fourth goal in his last five internationals before Liverpool striker Sturridge completed the turnaround in added on time following a neat, incisive passing move.

BBC pundit Waddle believes Sterling and Kane should be omitted from the starting line-up for Monday’s encounter with Slovakia, claiming Sterling “looks completely shot of confidence” and that Kane is “very leggy” following his goal-scoring exploits with Tottenham Hotspurs last season.

Waddle said: “I think Roy will go with Vardy and Sturridge (versus Slovakia). They had an impact when they came on.”

Vardy’s equaliser capped off a fairytale year for the Leicester City man.

“Jamie didn’t touch the ball much but he did what he’s good at,” said Waddle. “He works hard, he runs off the ball and in the box he knows where to stand to get the goals. He read the situation (against Wales), followed in and got his rewards.”

Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford also impressed as a second half substitute but Waddle feels Hodgson will keep faith with Adam Lallana in the attacking midfield role.

Victory over Wales moved Hodgson’s side to the top of Group B and means they need just a point against Slovakia to earn automatic qualification into the last 16 of the tournament.

England drew their opening fixture with Russia despite taking the lead through Eric Dier.